Greece travel: Payment options for Greece

Greece is a popular tourist destination. In fact, tourism accounts for around 18% – 20% of Greece’s GDP. With banks closed and limited ATM withdrawals though – as well as the possibility that Greece could exit the Euro – travellers to Greece need to make sure that they have several payment options up their sleeve.

The government’s Safe Travel website states the following about Greece:

“Demonstrations in relation to economic and political developments occur frequently in Greece, often with little warning. In light of ongoing austerity measures and economic conditions in Greece, further demonstrations are possible. Although tourists have not been targeted in violence surrounding demonstrations, the potential remains for them to be caught up in violence directed at others.”

Banking turmoil

Since the most recent update by New Zealand, the banking system in Greece has been plunged into turmoil, with the majority of capital frozen at this stage. While this doesn’t directly affect tourists, there is still potential that ATMs may run out of cash (and you don’t want to spend half a day standing in line!)

“Visitors to Greece should be aware of the possibility that banking services including credit card processing and servicing of ATMs throughout Greece could become limited at short notice. Daily ATM withdrawal limits do not currently apply to most major foreign debit/credit cards. Make sure you have more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit cards, credit cards), and make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays. Petrol stations may not accept credit card payments.”

Your payment options

So what payment options should you take? Make sure that you have the following available to you:

Cash in hand.

Even if Greece exits the euro, the currency will still be accepted for the time being. Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand.

Credit card.

Also make sure that you have at least one credit card available to you. They are a handy way to pay for large purchases such as airline tickets, hotel bills, car rentals and restaurant meals. Don’t forget, though, to factor in currency conversion fees plus interbank exchange charges.

Travel money card.

A travel money card works like a credit card, but it’s a debit card that uses your own cash, which has already been converted to the local currency.